Multiple law enforcement agencies went to the road and noticed the area where the vehicle went off Yankee Jims Road appeared to be freshly scraped by the bottom of the car, according to the Foresthill Fire Protection District.

A swift water rescue team was called in since a person was thought to be inside the car.

Crews rappelled 300 feet down a 75 percent slope, searching for anyone who may have been ejected from the vehicle between the road and the creek, but no one was found.

The team tried to access the vehicle, which was more than 10 feet from shore, but heavy rains over the weekend dangerously increased the water levels of the creek, turning it into a "raging river," officials said.

After several hours and no signs that anyone was inside the car, the swift water rescue team and a Placer County dive team suspended operations before it got dark.

Officials changed the rescue to a recovery based on the chances of anyone surviving a 300-foot crash and a vehicle filled with frigid water for more than four hours, according to officials.

Crews went back down to the area Wednesday, since water flows decreased, and found a person inside the vehicle, officials said.